Meet the Charlotte-based Small Businesses Behind the 10th Annual Friends in Diversity Event
The music, photos, design, performances, hospitality, and small business talent that shaped one of CLGBTCC's signature Pride season gatherings, and why these vendors deserve to be booked, referred, and supported.
The 10th Annual Friends in Diversity: A Rooftop Soirée brought together an intentional cross section of culture, connection, and community across Charlotte's Asian, Black, Latin, LGBT+, Women's, and allied business communities, but the part I keep coming back to is the work that happened behind the scenes.
In my role as Director of Communications for the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, I want our storytelling to do more than recap what happened. I want it to create visibility for the small businesses, creatives, performers, and community partners who make our events possible.
As a small business owner myself, I know how much work goes into being excellent at what you do. I know what it feels like to build something, promote it, show up, deliver, and hope people understand the value behind it. Most small businesses are not just doing the visible work. They are managing the details, answering the messages, handling the follow-up, fixing the last-minute issues, and still trying to find ways to be seen. That is why I wanted this recap to focus on the small business vendors.
Why the vendor experience matters
Every memorable event has people making it feel easy. The DJ reading the room and setting the tone. The bartenders keeping the experience moving. The photographer catching the moments people will want to remember. The photo booth giving guests something fun to step into and immediately share. The designer and print partners making the space feel intentional. The performers bringing culture, movement, and meaning into the evening. The raffle partner giving people one more reason to stay until the end. That does not happen by accident.
This is not just a thank-you list.
These are businesses and creatives you should know about, and you should book, refer, follow, and keep in mind for your next corporate event, fundraiser, Pride event, private party, or community gathering.
These are the vendors who helped make Friends in Diversity feel like Friends in Diversity, and they deserve to be seen for it. The lineup included RePLAY Scott, Bartenders Plus, SunChased Photography, Pose It Up CLT, CLT Geek, Jennifer Carbuto Designs, DeJaBo Designs, Zulynette, Haus of Mulan, and Diamond Eye Travel. Together, they shaped the music, hospitality, photography, branding, printing, decor, performance, photo booth, and raffle experience for one of CLGBTCC's signature Pride season gatherings.
Meet the vendors
Rooftop DJ
RePLAY Scott
RePLAY Scott set the tone as the rooftop DJ. Known for bringing energy to local venues, nightlife events, festivals, and inclusive community gatherings, he reads a room and creates an atmosphere where guests feel welcomed and ready to celebrate. For organizers seeking a Charlotte DJ who understands nightlife, Pride season, and inclusive rooms, he is one to know.
Find them: Instagram
Mobile Bartending
Bartenders Plus
Bartenders Plus created the open bar experience. Based in Charlotte and serving events across North and South Carolina, they provide professional mobile bartending for weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, private celebrations, and nonprofit gatherings, with the kind of guest service that makes an event feel polished from the first pour.
Find them: Website · Chamber Profile
Event Photography
SunChased Photography
Run by James, SunChased Photography captured the people, energy, and connections that made the rooftop feel alive. The studio specializes in outdoor shoots, convention and portrait work, cosplay photography, and event coverage, preserving the personality of a room so organizers, vendors, and guests have something meaningful to share afterward.
Photo Booth Experience
Pose It Up CLT
Owned by Queen City native Kenitra Huey-Hopkins, Pose It Up CLT brought one of the most interactive parts of the evening. This premium photo booth company goes beyond a backdrop and camera to create a branded moment guests can step into and share, with 360 video booths, glam booths, selfie and digital booths, roaming photography, and sketch booths.
Print & Tech Support
CLT Geek
Founded in 2013 by Daniel Pentecost, CLT Geek supported the banners and printing that carried the event's visual identity into the space. The concierge technology and business support agency serves growing businesses across the region with IT support, custom printing, signage, promotional materials, event connectivity, and audiovisual rentals.
Find them: Website · Chamber Profile · Instagram
Design & Branding
Jennifer Carbuto Designs
Led by veteran art director Jennifer Carbuto, this boutique design and branding studio brings more than 25 years of experience to the printed and visual pieces that made the event feel cohesive. Services include brand and identity work, print collateral, brochures, social layouts, and pull-up banners for events.
Find them: Website
Event Decor & Design
DeJaBo Designs
DeJaBo Designs created the decor that set the scene for the rooftop. Founded in 2013 by Charlotte artist and musician DJ Boyd, the studio treats every gathering as more than an event, layering venue, lighting, and creative visuals into a full experience. From branded corporate events to intimate weddings, DeJaBo handles event design, decor, rentals, and staging, and DJ Boyd is also a licensed, inclusive wedding officiant.
Find them: Website · Chamber Profile · Instagram
Poetry & Performance
Zulynette
Zulynette brought artistry, presence, and emotional depth to Friends in Diversity. An award-winning queer Boricua performer, artist, author, and facilitator, her work is rooted in community, healing, storytelling, and bold self-expression, reminding guests that celebration can also be meaningful.
Find her: Website · Instagram · CLGBTCC Feature
Ballroom Performance
Haus of Mulan
Haus of Mulan brought performance, movement, culture, and energy to the rooftop. A legendary chapter of the Kiki Ballroom scene based in Charlotte, the house is part of the area's vibrant LGBTQ+ and ballroom culture, where ballroom is history, identity, chosen family, artistry, and community expression.
Find them: Instagram
Travel · Raffle Partner
Diamond Eye Travel
Diamond Eye Travel added to the experience with a raffle donation. A woman and LGBTQIA+ owned independent travel agency based in Charlotte, they help travelers plan vacations, resort getaways, cruises, honeymoons, destination weddings, and milestone trips, while introducing guests to a local business they may not have known.
Find them: Website · Chamber Profile · Instagram
Looking for Charlotte event vendors?
A good place to start is the CLGBTCC Member Directory, which features CLGBTCC-connected businesses across event services, marketing, design, hospitality, consulting, travel, and professional services. When you book the DJ, bartender, photographer, performer, print vendor, designer, photo booth company, or travel professional, you are not just filling a role on a checklist. You are investing in the people and businesses that make gatherings feel memorable.
Frequently asked questions
Who were the vendors for the 10th Annual Friends in Diversity Rooftop Soirée?
The 2026 lineup included RePLAY Scott, Bartenders Plus, SunChased Photography, Pose It Up CLT, CLT Geek, Jennifer Carbuto Designs, DeJaBo Designs, Zulynette, Haus of Mulan, and Diamond Eye Travel.
Where can I find Charlotte event vendors for corporate, nonprofit, and Pride events?
A good starting point is the CLGBTCC Member Directory, which features Chamber-connected businesses across event services, marketing, design, hospitality, consulting, travel, and professional services.
What types of vendors supported Friends in Diversity?
The event included a DJ, mobile bartending service, photographer, photo booth company, printing and business support provider, graphic designer, event decor and design studio, poet performer, ballroom performers, and a travel agency raffle partner.
How can I support LGBTQ+ and allied businesses in the Carolinas?
You can hire Chamber-connected vendors, browse the CLGBTCC Member Directory, attend Chamber events, refer small businesses, and join the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce.
How can my business become more visible through CLGBTCC?
Businesses can join the Chamber, attend events, participate in programming, submit member news, connect with other members, and explore vendor features, sponsorships, and community visibility.